Published on Tuesday, 22 April 2025 at 10:21:33 AM
Residents are being asked to stay vigilant and take precautions against mosquito bites following the significant increase in mosquito numbers.
This comes after the detection of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) and Ross River virus in Hedland mosquito populations.
As a result, the Town's Environmental Health team is conducting its most extensive control program to date, with over 200 hours spent fogging - each, and collectively covering over 22,440 hectares since February.
Additionally, over 120 hectares of ponding water has also been chemically treated, either by drone or by hand as pooled, standing water creates the perfect breeding site for mosquitos.
Manager Environmental Services, Michael Cuvalo said the Town was doing everything possible to reduce mosquito numbers including extra fogging and spraying, providing free sachets of pesticide, trapping and testing in residential areas and deploying the mosquito drone in hard-to-reach marshland areas.
“There is no vaccine and no cure, the only way to protect yourself is to try to avoid being bitten,” Mr Cuvalo said.
"There are simple steps we can all take to reduce being bitten and I encourage everyone in the community to do their part.”
The advice is simple, yet could be lifesaving:
- Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition in properties and caravans
- Wear long, loose fitting clothing if you are outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active
- Clean up any pooled areas of water around your home as this creates the perfect breeding ground
- Use insect repellent
- Use mosquito coils and lanterns in patio and outdoor areas
- Keep lawn and other vegetation short
The Town of Port Hedland is committed to continuing monitoring and supporting the control of mosquito population numbers as demonstrated in the Mosquito Management Plan.
If you are experiencing particularly high numbers of mosquitoes at your home or work, please email the Town on ehservices@porthedland.wa.gov.au so that we can complete a survey for breeding sites in the area or some localised treatments in their area.
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